Fresh, vibrant, and perfectly balanced, this pasta salad combines the classic flavors of a BLT with creamy avocado to create a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a quick weeknight meal, this salad is loaded with bright vegetables, tender pasta, and a creamy dressing that brings it all together. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to whip up and best enjoyed chilled on warm days.
BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian (if beef bacon is omitted)
Description
A fresh and vibrant pasta salad that combines classic BLT flavors with creamy avocado, making it a perfect dish for picnics or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces short pasta (like fusilli or rotini)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups leafy greens (romaine or arugula)
- 6 slices beef bacon, cooked and chopped (or skip for vegetarian)
- 1 avocado, diced
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring salted water to a boil, add pasta, and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Prepare the beef bacon: In a skillet, cook beef bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and chop.
- Chop and dice: Slice cherry tomatoes, dice avocado, and chop leafy greens and green onions.
- Make the dressing: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Combine everything: In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta, vegetables, and beef bacon. Pour dressing over and gently toss.
- Chill and serve: Let the salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Best enjoyed chilled. Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Why you’ll love this dish
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this pasta salad. First and foremost, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a light main dish, a tasty side for grilled meats, or even as a potluck favorite that everyone can enjoy. The combination of flavors and textures creates a delightful eating experience—think juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, and creamy avocado all swirled in a savory dressing.
“This is officially my new favorite salad! It’s fresh, filling, and so easy to make!”
You’ll find it makes for a quick, satisfying meal that’s ideal for any gathering or simply a family dinner at home. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, which means less stress during busy weeknights.
How it comes together
This delightful salad comes together in a few straightforward steps. Start by cooking your pasta to a perfect al dente. While it cools, you’ll prepare fresh vegetables, slice up that luscious avocado, and whip up a creamy dressing. Once everything is ready, simply toss it all together and let the flavors meld for a bit. It’s as simple as that!
Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 10 min | Total Time: 25 min
What you’ll need
To create this pasta salad, gather the following ingredients:
- Pasta: About 8 ounces of your favorite short pasta, like fusilli or rotini
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for sweetness and color
- Leafy greens: Romaine or arugula works beautifully
- Beef bacon: Cooked until crispy for a rich, savory flavor (or you can skip it for a vegetarian version)
- Avocado: Diced for that creamy texture
- Green onions: Sliced for a mild onion flavor
- Dressing: A mix of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and seasonings
Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preference or to make it a little heartier by adding more vegetables!
Step-by-step instructions
- Cook the pasta: Begin by boiling salted water, adding the pasta, and cooking according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Prepare the beef bacon: In a skillet, cook the beef bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Drain on paper towels and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop and dice: While the pasta cools and the bacon crisps, slice the cherry tomatoes, dice the avocado, and chop the leafy greens and green onions.
- Make the dressing: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Combine everything: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, vegetables, and beef bacon. Pour the dressing over and gently toss to coat.
- Chill and serve: Let the salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Best ways to enjoy it
This pasta salad is delightful on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a heartier meal. It’s great served alongside crusty bread or as part of a sandwich platter. For extra crunch, consider topping it with some crunchy croutons or sliced almonds.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep leftovers fresh, store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within 3 days for the best flavor and quality. If you plan to make it ahead of time, consider adding the avocado right before serving to prevent browning. Reheating isn’t necessary; this dish is best enjoyed cold.
Helpful cooking tips
When cooking your pasta, be sure to salt the water generously. This helps enhance the flavor of the pasta itself, which is crucial in a dish where pasta is the main ingredient. Also, for the avocado, you can sprinkle a bit of lemon juice immediately after cutting to maintain its bright green color and prevent browning.
Creative twists
Feel free to adapt this salad to your taste. You can substitute the beef bacon for shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter option. If you’re a fan of spice, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. You could also experiment with different pasta shapes or add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or cucumbers, for extra crunch and color.
FAQ
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep. Just keep the avocado separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent browning.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
For a lighter dressing, you can use a mix of Greek yogurt and olive oil or even a simple vinaigrette if you prefer a tangy taste.
How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, make sure to drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse it with cold water. Also, add ingredients like tomatoes and avocado just before serving.
This refreshing dish is a wonderful way to enjoy the classic flavors of a BLT in a new, satisfying format. Whether you serve it at a summer gathering or enjoy it for a quick lunch, you’ll love its delicious taste and vibrant appearance!